Phosphotungestovanadate immobilized on PVA as an efficient and reusable nano catalyst for oxidative desulphurization of gasoline

Abstract In this manuscript, phosphotungestovanadate (N(tBu) 4 ) 4 HPW 10 V 2 O 40 (PWV) as a Keggin-type polyoxometalate was synthesized and immobilized on poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) via sol–gel method. The materials characterized by FT-IR, XRD, UV–vis, SEM and 31 P NMR spectroscopy. Catalytic activity of synthesized nanocomposite was tested on oxidative desulphurization of actual gasoline and results are compared with that of model sulphur compounds. This Keggin-type supported catalyst was shown to be able to have oxidative desulphurization of model sulphur compounds and actual gasoline with high yield. The addition of acetic acid enhanced the conversion. The advantages of this method lie in its mild condition, low cost, large scale, simplicity and environmentally friendly route.